ENVIRONMENT - DECEMBER 2017

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Published: Wednesday, 27 December 2017 15:51

Massachusetts Producer to Reduce Emissions Under Settlement with EPA

Cemex received the Southern California Edison (SCE) 2017 Energy Efficiency Award for its commitment to conserving energy and land stewardship at its Victorville Cement Plant, which has served the California High Desert community for more than 100 years.

Cemex representatives were presented with the award during the 7th Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration in front of more than 350 Southern California business owners, community leaders and elected officials.

“Cemex considers energy usage and the environment at all of our operations,” said Eric Wittmann, Cemex USA regional president – West Region. “It’s an honor to be recognized for the hard work we do each day. Conserving energy is not only the right thing to do, but it is our responsibility to do it.”

“At Cemex, we are always looking for ways to improve our energy usage at our cement plants,” said Dr. Hugo Bolio, Cemex USA’s executive vice president – cement operations and technology. “We care about the communities in which we live and operate, and by using less energy we have a positive impact on them and the environment.”

The Victorville Cement Plant was among four Cemex cement plants to achieve the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star Certification for 2017.

Other Cemex operations in Southern California have recently been recognized for their commitment to energy conservation. Terminals located in La Mirada and San Diego achieved the Energy Challenge for Industry for reducing their energy consumption by more than 10 percent.

Cemex Honored with Southern California Energy Efficiency Award

In a settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Kimball Sand Co., a sand and gravel company operating in the Massachusetts communities of Blackstone and Northborough, agreed to reduce its emissions of hazardous air pollutants and visible emissions as required by federal clean air laws.

Kimball Sand operates rock crushing equipment including stone crushers, screeners and conveyer belts as well as its engines at their facility. The equipment is subject to federal Clean Air Act (CAA)’s New Source Performance Standards for Nonmetallic Mineral Processing Plants, and the engines are subject to the CAA National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Stationary Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines.

To comply with the federal Clean Air Act requirements, Kimball Sand conducted visible emissions testing at its Northborough facility and submitted required documents regarding the equipment for both facilities. In addition, Kimball Sand replaced its three existing engines with newer, cleaner engines.

Under the agreement, Kimball Sand paid a penalty of $120,000 for its violations of the Clean Air Act.

By replacing its stationary diesel engines, Kimball Sand will reduce hazardous air pollutants, including formaldehyde. Exposure to air toxics may produce a wide variety of health difficulties. Compliance with emission standards also helps reduce emissions of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds and particulate matter. These pollutants can have a range of health effects, including respiratory issues, especially asthma among children and seniors, EPA said.

Kimball Sand was started in 1979 by owner Robert W. Kimball as a small sand and gravel business. It has since grown into a larger company with a staff of 61 employees and a fleet of 17 Kenworth 10-wheelers and tractor trailer trucks.

Kimball Sand has two rock-crushing plants and the company delivers top-quality aggregate materials throughout central and eastern Massachusetts as well as northern Rhode Island.

NSSGA: Tell EPA That WOTUS Needs Clear Exemptions

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is accepting comments on what a new Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) Rule should include. The National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association (NSSGA) has long fought the 2015 rule that would have allowed the federal government to regulate dry areas.

The Trump administration has proposed to withdraw WOTUS and replace it with a clearer rule. NSSGA and many member companies and state organizations commented in support of the withdrawal. Now, the agency is seeking input as EPA staff works on a replacement rule.

“Comments from operators have been essential to our industry’s efforts to fix WOTUS, but we are not done yet,” said Emily Coyner, NSSGA senior director of environmental policy. “We need to continue to help the administration promulgate a clear and logical rule that protects the environment and industry.”

NSSGA will submit comments on behalf of the industry and asks member companies to submit comments as well. Comments will focus on the clear exemptions needed in a new rule, such as pits and quarries, water treatment systems, dry streambeds and isolated waters.